Identifying Your Ideal Readers

Resonant storytelling begins with your reader.

Resonant storytelling isn’t just about what you say. It’s about saying it in a way that connects deeply with your audience. It’s not just about sharing your knowledge or telling your story; it’s about bringing your reader along the journey with you.In order to do that, you have to know who your desired readers are—not only their demographics (age, gender, income, cultural background), but also their internal landscape. What are their hopes and dreams? Where are they in the journey of their own lives? What’s holding them back, either externally (practical challenges) or
internally (limiting beliefs)? Answering these questions–and others–will help you create “reader avatars,” fleshed-out representations of your ideal reader.
For nonfiction authors, reader avatars help you stay focused on writing in a way that resonates for your specific audience. They can also help inform subsequent stages of the publication process (especially if you’re self-publishing), including cover art, marketing strategy, and promotion.

Join my mailing list, and you’ll receive a free 17-page guidebook that will help you get to know your ideal readers. That way, you can craft content—longform or short—that speaks directly to them.

Here’s what the free guidebook covers:

Four types of nonfiction, and the relative importance of identifying ideal readers for each

How the concept of reader avatars evolved

When and how to use reader avatars

The key thing you need to know to resonate with your readers

The limitations of demographics

Exercises to help you create reader avatars

Bonus questions to help you articulate how you want readers to experience your writing

Here’s what else you’ll receive:

Periodic newsletters from me (I aim for four to six a year), with tips to help you connect with your readers, as well as my latest news and special offers. Newsletters may or may not include photos of baby otters.

My latest blog posts by email (Usually twice a month)

That’s it.

You can opt out of either of those at any time (though, of course, I hope you’ll stick around and tell your friends about my blog, and me, but that’s entirely your decision).